There is no denying that Kuno, a Belgian Malinois, has solidified the bond between dogs and humans. In fact, Kuno’s heroic act can be likened to receiving the Victoria Cross or Medal of Honor. During a mission to take down an armed Al-Qaeda base, Kuno proved to be an invaluable asset to the British forces. However, the raiding team was met with intense resistance from an insurgent who was well-equipped with night vision goggles and weaponry. It was only when Kuno was ordered to step in that the stalemate was broken and the team was able to move forward without experiencing any casualties.
In a burst of energy, Kuno bolted into the entrance of the building to confront the rebel. His handler had just set him free and he was eager to take action. Prior to this, Kuno had already managed to thwart one of the terrorists and also discovered a stash of hidden explosives during the mission.
The gunman was taken aback when Kuno appeared out of nowhere, causing him to shoot aimlessly into the dark which unfortunately hit both hind legs of the canine. Nevertheless, Kuno was undeterred and charged forward towards the enemy, biting his arm and grappling with him until they were both on the ground. Even though Kuno suffered severe injuries to his legs, he never stopped attacking the Al-Qaeda fighter until the arrival of the assault team, who cleared the area. It was only then that Kuno finally took a much-needed break.
The heroic actions of the dog, Kuno, were crucial in completing a vital mission and saving multiple lives. Despite suffering serious injuries that altered his life, Kuno remained steadfast in performing his duty. In recognition of his bravery and dedication, he has been awarded the prestigious PDSA Dickin medal. Sadly, Kuno sustained severe injuries to his rear legs from bullets fired by an Al Qaeda fighter, narrowly missing a major artery.
Kuno underwent several significant medical procedures before he was deemed fit to return to the UK, even though he received critical on-site medical attention from doctors in a helicopter. A portion of his hind paw was removed to prevent a severe infection, but he has made a full recovery and is the first Military Working Dog in the UK to receive specially designed prosthetic limbs. Kuno’s bravery throughout his journey is truly remarkable.
The PDSA has reported that he is in great condition and has a positive attitude. The British defense minister, Ben Wallace, expressed his excitement that Kuno will be awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal. Wallace praised Kuno’s dedication to his duties, as well as his bravery and training, which allowed him to save lives during his mission. The minister also expressed his pride in the important contributions made by military working dogs in both domestic and international missions. Kuno’s heroic actions serve as a reminder of the sacrifices that these animals are willing to make to ensure our safety and security.
Kuno, who was awarded the Dickin Medal, became the 72nd recipient of this prestigious award since it was established in December 1943 during World War II. The honor has been bestowed upon a total of 35 dogs, 32 messenger pigeons used in WW2, four horses, and one cat. To learn more about other remarkable dogs, check out the Dog Family list.
